Easy Hot Cheesy Pizza

This hot cheesy pizza dip is seriously one of the easiest crowdpleasers you can make when you want something comforting and shareable. It melts creamy cheese with rich pizza flavors into a dip that pairs perfectly with bread, chips, or fresh veggies. It bakes up golden and bubbly, making it look just as good as it tastes every time.

I first whipped this up for a casual game night and now it’s the go-to starter for every gathering. Everyone loves the creamy texture and the way the pepperoni crisps up on top.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: eight ounces softened which creates the creamy base and ensures smooth blending
• Sour cream: half a cup adds richness and a slight tang that balances the cheese flavors
• Italian seasoning: one and a half teaspoons brings classic herbs that evoke that familiar pizza taste
• Garlic powder: an eighth teaspoon for a subtle background warmth to the dip
• Pizza sauce: one and a quarter cups a flavorful tomato base giving it that unmistakable pizza character
• Mozzarella cheese: two cups shredded for melty, stretchy goodness
• Parmesan cheese: a quarter cup grated for a nutty, savory layer that complements mozzarella
• Pepperoni: ten slices adds savory, slightly spicy bites on top choose quality hearty slices that don’t release too much grease for best results

Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the dip evenly.

Mix the base:

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl using a hand mixer. Whip until completely creamy and smooth which helps with even spreading later.

Spread the base:

Spread that creamy mixture into the bottom of your cast iron skillet or a similar ovensafe pie dish, smoothing it out as evenly as possible to create a stable base for the pizza sauce and toppings.

Add the sauce:

Next, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer. This adds moisture and gives the dip that signature pizza flavor.

Add cheeses and pepperoni:

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously over the sauce. Place the pepperoni slices on top, spacing them nicely. Be mindful not to overcrowd since that can make your dip greasy instead of perfect.

Bake:

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt fully and start turning a lovely golden brown which means the dip is perfectly cooked through.

Serve:

Serve the dip warm right from the oven alongside crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers so everyone can dig in while it’s gooey and hot.

My favorite part is the pepperoni topping. It crisps up during baking and gives just the right salty bite that contrasts with the creamy cheese layers underneath. I remember one game night when I accidentally made double the batch and watched it disappear before the first round even started.

Storage Tips

You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly again. It lasts about three days stored this way. For longer storage, it freezes well, so portion into freezersafe containers before baking or after cooling completely.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a vegetarian version skip the pepperoni and add diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms instead. Using partskim mozzarella reduces fat but keeps melty texture. You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to add protein and tang with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dip alongside a bright Italian salad or crunchy garlic knots to complete the appetizer spread. It also works beautifully with fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers for a lighter, colorful option.

Warm, cheesy, and perfect for sharing, this pizza dip is a game night winner. It’s easy to customize and always disappears fast.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What cheeses are used in this dip?

Mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese provide a creamy, melty texture and rich flavor.

→ Can I use other pizza toppings?

Yes, olives, mushrooms, peppers, or sausage can be added based on preference.

→ How should I serve this dip?

Serve warm with bread, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

→ Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are gluten-free, just ensure dippers are gluten-free as well.

→ Can I prepare this dip in advance?

Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Cooking time may increase if ingredients are cold.

→ What seasoning enhances the flavor?

Italian seasoning and a touch of garlic powder add classic pizza-inspired depth.